quote:"The truth is I have no unbelievably special skills or genius eccentricities," writes an undergrad.

The cover letter below is unapologetically honest and people on Wall Street are calling it one of the best letters they have seen. Everyone on the thread agrees the letter shows energy and pluck and honesty.

I don't see anything special about what he wrote. I really don't see anything bold about what he did. Somebody taught him that executives what straight to the point letters, answers, reports, etc and they don't have time to read a bunch of fluff.

I did that all the time when I was in undergrad and still do it till this day. Hell, the only thing they can do is throw your stuff in the trash, which is what they will do majority of the time anyway. So, why not be blunt and get straight to the point so you won't waste their time or yours for that matter of writing a bunch of bull shite to try to make you look better than anyone else.

The fact that they were impressed by how straight to the point the letter is shows how much filler they usually get in these letters. I imagine applicants from Ivy League schools throw in all kinds of shite just to prop them up. A lot of times some old school arse busting is just what is needed.

quote:The fact that they were impressed by how straight to the point the letter is shows how much filler they usually get in these letters. I imagine applicants from Ivy League schools throw in all kinds of shite just to prop them up.

Where's that kid's resume who talked about his "terrifying efficiency" and weight lifting prowess.

Based on being blunt and honest, he'd get an interview with me. I look to hire people who want to become great in my field, not those with an impressive GPA (although that doesn't hurt).

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." Calvin Coolidge

Although I liked the letter, someone with a near perfect GPA and no work experience is a no go for me. I like someone who knows what it is like to work and earn the dollar.

You have got to be kidding me. Everyone has to start somewhere. How they hell are you supposed to land your first job if everyone is looking for prior work experience? I hope this kind of an attitude from a hiring manager is in the minority, especially when hiring a college kid for an internship position.

Also your point is not valid in this case because this kid had already interned at Merrill Lynch previously.

quote:I don't see anything special about what he wrote. I really don't see anything bold about what he did.

No shit! He had already met the guy, and name dropped his uncle who the recipient clearly knows. I know Morgan Stanley isn't Goldman Sachs but it's still a good internship. frick this guy. "I am extremely interested in investment banking" - no shit? So is every other wanna-be yuppie finance major.